Joybuy Insights

Notebooks: how to choose the right size, paper and binding

A notebook might seem simple to choose… until its cover warps in your bag, the ink bleeds through the pages, or the size turns out to be ill-suited for its intended use. Between an A5 notebook for work, an A6 model to carry everywhere, a school exercise book and a personal diary, the differences in everyday use are far from trivial.

Before placing an order, three common pitfalls keep cropping up:

  • Relying solely on looks: a pretty cover doesn't guarantee comfortable opening or adequate protection.
  • Confusing sheets and pages: a product advertised with 96 sheets usually contains 192 pages, while 96 pages equate to 48 sheets.
  • Overlooking the ruling: a lined notebook is fine for continuous writing, but can make diagrams tricky. Blank pages offer more freedom, while grid ruling makes tables and plans easier.

The criteria to check before you buy

1. The right size for your daily life

The A5 size, measuring approximately 14.8 × 21 cm, offers an excellent compromise for classes, meetings, journaling or personal writing. It gives you enough room to write without becoming too bulky in a bag.

The A6 size, around 10.5 × 14.8 cm, slips easily into a small bag or a large pocket. It's perfect for lists, reminders and jotting down ideas on the go. On the downside, its smaller surface area is less suited to long reports or detailed drawings.

Larger sizes, such as 21 × 31.8 cm or 24 × 32 cm, are more intended for folders, schoolwork and extensive note-taking. However, for commuting or on-the-go use, they can lack manoeuvrability.

2. Paper and ruling

The grammage refers to the weight of the paper per square metre. Paper of 70 to 80 g/m² is generally lightweight and works well with ballpoint pens and pencils. With 90 to 100 g/m², the paper feels denser and show-through between the two sides is often better controlled. That said, it doesn't guarantee no bleed-through at all with every ink.

Next, you need to choose the layout that suits your use:

  • Lined notebook: ideal for continuous writing, reports, a personal diary and lecture notes.
  • Blank page notebook: suited to sketches, brainstorming, collage or unrestricted writing.
  • Grid notebook: handy for tables, diagrams, calculations and project organisation.
  • Sketchbook: choose a surface designed for pencil, marker or the medium you plan to use. Grammage alone isn't enough to determine compatibility with a medium.

Mentions of acid-free, pH neutral, FSC or PEFC refer to specific characteristics of the paper or its sourcing. They don't replace the need to check the texture, thickness and compatibility with the type of ink you use.

3. Cover and binding

A hard cover protects the pages better in a bag and can serve as a writing surface when you don't have a desk. A soft cover is lighter and folds back more easily, making it pleasant to carry.

A spiral notebook opens flat and sometimes allows you to fold the pages completely back. It's practical for taking notes with one hand, but the spiral can snag in some bags. A stitched or glued binding gives a more compact feel; just check that the notebook opens enough to write comfortably.

Accessories can also make a difference: elastic closure, bookmark, pen loop, inner pocket or detachable sheets. They're useful when they genuinely match your habits, but they can also add weight to the notebook or push up the price.

Our selection based on your profile

Recommended for: beginners on a tight budget
OXFORD Easybook Oceanis

OXFORD Pack of 3 Easybook Oceanis Exercise Books

Why this choice suits this profile: This pack of three exercise books in 17 × 22 cm format lets students organise their subjects without buying multiple items.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The Seyès ruling is clearly stated and the number of exercise books is specified. So there's no risk of mistaking a decorative notebook for a structured school exercise book.

Main advantage and key features

Three exercise books of 96 pages each, in 17 × 22 cm format, with stapled binding and French Seyès ruling.

Recommended for: premium enthusiasts
MOLESKINE Casa Batlló Large Ruled Notebook

MOLESKINE Casa Batlló Large Ruled Notebook

Why this choice suits this profile: Its large format and hard cover are aimed at those looking for a durable item for writing, planning or gifting.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page specifies the nature of the 100 g/m² ivory ruled paper, the elastic closure and the 180° flat opening. So it doesn't just rely on an aesthetic promise.

Main advantage and key features

Hard cover inspired by Casa Batlló, 100 g/m² ruled paper, bookmark, inner pocket and elastic closure.

Recommended for: specific and intensive use
CLAIREFONTAINE Rhodia BLACK Spiral-Back Pad

CLAIREFONTAINE Rhodia BLACK Spiral-Back Pad

Why this choice suits this profile: Professionals, students and anyone who files their sheets will appreciate the 21 × 31.8 cm format and the perforations compatible with a ring binder.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page mentions 80 micro-perforated sheets, 5 × 5 mm grid ruling and four filing holes. The archiving functions are therefore clearly verifiable.

Main advantage and key features

Rigid back, 80 g/m² paper, detachable sheets and four-hole perforation for filing.

Recommended for: mobility and quick note-taking
Jubiluu A6 Premium PU Hardcover Pocket Notebook

Jubiluu A6 Premium PU Hardcover Pocket Notebook

Why this choice suits this profile: Its A6 size is ideal for travellers, people jotting down reminders and anyone who wants a compact notebook within easy reach.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size, number of sheets and accessories are all detailed, so you can assess its actual capacity before buying.

Main advantage and key features

80 sheets of 100 g/m² lined paper, PU hard cover, pen loop, bookmark and elastic closure.

Looking for other options?

We've put together a comprehensive, real-time updated selection of products that meet these exacting criteria as well as European safety regulations.

How to use and care for a notebook

To extend the life of your notebook, avoid leaving it in a damp environment or exposed to high heat. A hard cover can usually be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth; fabric or decorative paper finishes need a bit more care.

Also check the notebook's capacity before starting a large project. A Moleskine notebook or a hard-cover model will suit a journal you want to keep for a long time. A Clairefontaine notebook or a spiral-bound model will be more practical for easy writing, tearing out sheets or filing your notes. For drawing, check the paper's compatibility with your pencils and markers rather than relying solely on the product name.

Frequently asked questions about notebooks

Which size should I choose between A5 and A6?

An A5 notebook is suitable for classes, work, journaling and longer texts. An A6 notebook is easier to carry and better suited to lists, reminders and quickly jotted-down ideas. The right choice really depends on the space you have and how much you plan to write.

How long can a notebook be kept?

It all depends on the quality of the binding and paper, as well as storage conditions and frequency of use. Acid-free or pH-neutral paper is designed to remain more stable over time. However, it still needs to be kept away from moisture, direct sunlight and repeated handling.

Is a grid notebook suitable for taking notes?

Yes, especially for tables, diagrams, calculations and planning. For written lectures or a personal diary, a lined notebook will generally be more comfortable. A blank page notebook remains best for sketches and free layouts.